MPOX is a viral infection related to smallpox. In 2022, an outbreak of clade 2b MPOX was identified. This clade affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in regions where MPOX was previously rare. The UK responded with a national vaccination programme using smallpox vaccines.
In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a significant upsurge in mpox cases. This concern is related to Clade 1 MPOX, which was initially isolated to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, there have now been a number of cases reported in countries neighbouring DRC.
There is no evidence that GBMSM in the UK are at increased risk from clade 1 MPOX.
Clade 1, though primarily transmitted through close contact, may also spread through sexual contact.
There is ongoing, albeit reduced, transmission of clade 2b MPOX among GBMSM in the UK.
Countries affected by Clade 1 MPOX include;
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Republic of Congo
- Central African Republic
- Burundi
- Rwanda
- Uganda
- Kenya
- Cameroon
- Gabon
- Angola
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Zambia
If you have been to any of these countries in the last 21 days and have any combination of the following symptoms, please call 111 for advice.
- Fever >38
- headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- sore throat
- swollen lymph nodes
- Joint pain
- chills
- Exhaustion
- Proctitis soreness/inflammation/bleeding in & around anus
PLUS
- Lesions/blisters/sores anywhere on the body
If you have these symptoms but have not travelled to any of the countries listed above, please call the clinic on 0300 1234 154.
Vaccines are not currently been given, however, this may change.
